Buddhism: A Complete Introduction: Teach Yourself

Buddhism: A Complete Introduction is a comprehensive and easy-to-use introduction, designed to give you everything you need to succeed, all in one place. Written by a leading expert, this book will help you if you are studying for an important exam or essay, or if you simply want to improve your knowledge. It is structured to mirror the way in which Buddhism is usually taught, starting with the life of the Buddha through to the prospects of Buddhism for the next generation. The book covers all the key areas that are considered central to Buddhism, including the Buddha's teachings, the scriptures and schools, the role of meditation and the moral and ethical context. It uses jargon-free English and includes features such as guided further reading and end of chapter questions to ensure that you understand all the concepts covered. Buddhism: A Complete Introduction includes: Chapter 1: Buddhists and BuddhismWho are Buddhists. The Three JewelsThe Three RefugesBuddhist PracticeIn conclusionChapter 2: The life of the BuddhaThe Buddha's significanceThe Four SightsGoing forthSelf-mortificationThe enlightenmentTurning the wheel of the dharmaThe missionThe growth of the SanghaParanirvanaIn conclusionChapter 3: The Buddha's teachingThe first Nobel Truth: all is suffering (dukkha)The second Noble Truth: the origins of suffering (samudaya)The third Noble Truth: the cessation of suffering (nirodha)The fourth Noble Truth: the path to the cessation of suffering (magga)Chapter 4: Buddhist scriptures and schoolsThe Theravada ScripturesThe Mahayana ScripturesPure Land BuddhismThe Ch'an and Zen SchoolsThe Tibetan ScripturesIn conclusionChapter 5: Meditation and devotion1 Mind and heart2 Heart and mind3 Devotion as homage4 Salvific devotionIn conclusionChapter 6: Ethical conductSila skilfulnessThe practicality of buddhist ethicsWorking on yourself and othersThe precepts and the dharmaRenunciationIn conclusionChapter 7: Moral IssuesThe natural worldHuman societyIn conclusionChapter 8: The social orderOrdinationCelibacyWeddings and marriagesFamily lifeDeath and dyingIn conclusionChapter 9: Festivals and ceremoniesTheravada festivalsTibetan festivalsJapanese and Chinese festivalsWestern Buddhist festivalsIn conclusionChapter 10: Budhist today: East and WestThe spread of BuddhismBuddhism in IndiaThe revival of BuddhismBuddhism in South-East AsiaMissionary activityTibetan BuddhismBuddhism in the WestIn conclusionChapter 11: Transition, adaptation and influence: prospects for Buddhism in the twenty-first centuryInto the twenty-first centuryViews from the WestTransmitting Buddhism to a new generationIn conclusionLearn effortlessly with a new easy-to-read page design and added features:Not got much time. One, five and ten-minute introductions to key principles to get you started. Author insightsLots of instant help with common problems and quick tips for success, based on the author's many years of experience. Test yourselfTests in the book and online to keep track of your progress. Extend your knowledgeExtra online articles to give you a richer understanding of psychology. Five things to rememberQuick refreshers to help you remember the key facts. Try thisInnovative exercises illustrate what you've learnt and how to use it.